Traditional Scherenschnitt:

Culturally Swiss, Reimagined by America.

My Scherenschnitt series is inspired by my Swiss heritage and the traditional Swiss folk art of paper cutting, where scenes of cows climbing alpine mountains, farmers working the land, and life in mountain chalets celebrate the beauty of rural life and a deep connection to place. These historic works are rich with storytelling, using simple silhouettes to preserve culture, tradition, and everyday moments. I was drawn to the way this art form honors both landscape and identity, and wanted to explore how that same spirit could be translated into an American setting.

Rather than recreating traditional Swiss scenes, I created regional Scherenschnitt pieces that reflect the landscapes and symbols of the United States. My Wild West piece draws from Wyoming with bison and frontier imagery, while my Virginia piece features dogwood flowers and the tension between fox, hare, and horse. Each work keeps the storytelling roots of Swiss Scherenschnitt alive while reimagining them through the places, wildlife, and culture from vastly diverse regions of the United States.